Rhode Island – Biking 100

Rhode Island #46 – Blackstone River Greenway

October 14, 2020

The past two days it has rained. Inspite of the rain we planned a visit to Newport, RI. A walking tour of the marina area was cut short by a downpour. An auto tour seemed a better choice and we were able to see some of the highlights of the area. Of course, our favorites were the boats, the bay and the ocean.

Windy, blustery, rainy day in Newport. RI.

We enjoyed seeing ships, large and small sail boats and a huge catamaran sailing on the bay. We would like to revisit – post Covid and no rain.

Waves and rocky shoreline near Brenton Point State Park.

So after two days of rain and feeling cabin fever we were excited to be on our bikes once again. We began our ride on the beautiful Blackstone River Greenway in Manville and rode south along the river.

Ashton Mill, once producing cotton fabrics, has been converted into riverside apartments and lofts.

We road as far as Central Falls and a short on road section. As always when reaching a high traffic area we turned around and headed back toward Manville.

Creative use of restored drive-in theater sign.

Pratt Dam – bridge uses original stone piers from the trail’s railway past.

We headed north of Manville for a few miles to the River’s Edge Recreation Complex. We were just a short distance from Woonsocket and the Massachusetts-Rhode Island border.

The reflection of the trees on the water had a rainbow effect as it flowed over the Manville Dam.

This was the perfect, relaxed, peaceful and beautiful ride for us to complete our Rhode Island 100. It is also the end of our 2020 Pandemic tour.

We have two states, Maine and Vermont, to complete our lower 48 states. They will be at the top of our “to do list” for 2021.

Our Covid 19 tour has included: New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, Connecticut and Rhode Island

Rhode Island – East Bay Bike Path

October 11, 2020

The East Bay Bike Path was inducted into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame in 2009. It travels between Providence and Bristol on a railbed whose service was discontinued in 1973. The state built most of the bike trail between 1987 and 1992. We began our ride in East Providence.

This was a perfect trail for us. We love being near the water, especially marinas and salt water.

Remnants of railway – so very close to the water.

This house/mansion was built on what looked to be a rock in the bay. The stone walkway goes to a gazebo.

This is the busiest trail we’ve ever ridden. The closer we got to Bristol the busier it became. Thankfully, some long stretches of the trail were serene and uncrowded. There were 2 detours which took us over busy on road bridges. On our return there was a biker being treated by EMS. Looked to be a road crossing incident. Reminded us to be always diligent watching for traffic and other riders.

We took a wrong turn at one of the detours and should have been going over the bridge in the distance. No problem, we enjoyed a nice couple of miles riding right along the bay.

A detour took us over a highway bridge instead of this wooden bridge which was on the bike path. Apparently the wooden bridges are in need of repairs

Lenny doing some first aid on my bike rack.

When we retured to the trailhead it was crazy busy. People were parked everywhere. Lenny quickly loaded the bikes so we could be on the road and make room for new arrivals.

We only had a 20 minute drive to Leyden Vineyards where we would be spending the night. I had spoken to Caitlin and she was so welcoming and encouraged us to arrive before 4 PM so we could do a wine tasting. When we arrived they were very busy but Maureen hopped on her golf cart and showed us where to park by a beautiful pond.

Our home for the night on the pond at Leyden Vineyard. Enjoyed wine tasting and great hospitality.

We really enjoyed the music and wine tasting. He played some oldies as well as more current selections.

Lenny enjoying a glass of wine. We could hear the entertainment at our campsite.

What a day we have had. We were up at 5:30 AM, biked almost 30 miles, arrived at winery for wine tasting and relaxed listening to the great guitarist. We were in bed by 9 PM.

Rhode Island – Washington Secondary Bike Path

October 10, 2020

The Washington Secondary Bike Path is Rhode Islands longest rail-trail at just over 19 miles. The trail follows the former Hartford, Providence and Fishkill Railroad. We got on the trail in West Warwick and rode the 11 miles to Coventry and back.

This is pretty typical of this trail. Smooth asphalt in most areas and fenced on both sides.

Views of Pawtuxet River near West Warwick.

The Pawtuxet River was viewed from the beautiful bridges along the trail. While the trail did not follow the river it was never too far away.

Remnants of railroad track near Coventry.

As we rode on an uphill grade toward Coventry the area became much more rural. There was an equestrian trail adjacent to the bike path, sometimes above, other times below.

Stopped at a church craft sale along the trail.

Oh, I forgot to mention the wind. There was wind, about 18 mph. Much of the trail was protected which made our ride much more pleasant. We returned to the motorhome for some lunch and then decided to investigate the trail east of West Warwick.

New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad caboose

Bridge over Pawtuxet River east of West Warwick.

Kayakers on the river east of West Warwick.

We rode another ten miles before returning to the motorhome for our trailhead showers. Plan to ride again tomorrow as Hurricane Delta will be bringing a couple days of rain our way.

Rhode Island – William C. O’Neill Bike Path

October 9, 2020

We arrived in Rhode Island this afternoon. Ocean State Harley has graciously allowed us to spend the night at their store in Exeter. The store is actually closed due to Covid so it’s very quiet here. There is a beautiful pavilion with picnic tables and we were told we could use the electricity and porta potties. Oh yes, and the rocking chairs on the porch!

Our home for the night at Ocean State Harley.

Ocean State Harley – reopening April 2021.

It was early when we arrived so we decided to go biking. Gee, what a great idea! We parked in West Kingston near the Amtrak station to bike the William C. O’Neill Bike Path.

West Kingston Station – Amtrak’s Northeast line between Boston and Washington D.C.

Bike path previously known as South County Bike Path.

This was a nice asphalt rail- trail, very smooth with enough uphill and downhill to get a good work out. We rode to the trail’s end in Narragansett Pier.

Trees trimmed to make it appear as though the bike path was going through a tunnel.

There were many other bikers as well as walkers, and runners. The bike path is near the University of Rhode Island so we took a spur off the bike path and road through the pretty campus.

Never seen this before. There were a couple road crossings where crossing guards stopped traffic for us.

More of the brook and swamp. The blue skies and afternoon sun made for a beautiful scene.

Former switch tower in Kingston, Rhode Island.

This rail-trail was originally an 8-mile railroad built by a wealthy 19th-century textile mill owner. He used the railroad to get coal to his plant or products to market. He later added accommodations to carry vacationers to beach resorts.